Originally Posted by
simonsez
I've been taking my time looking and trying out some bikes (my budget is 1k so I want to make the right decision) and I'm pretty sure that I want to go the "Dual Sport - front suspension" route since I plan on taking my bike into some light trails (30%) and the rest paved streets and paths.
Problem is I can't get myself around what exactly is the difference between adding 700c tires to a 29er mountain bike vs a (say) Specialized Crosstrail??
Is the geometry and gearing that different to tell them apart? The other thing is that I'm not a tiny guy 6"3 and 230lbs so would the typical 50mm to 75mm forks be enough for me or would the traditional 100mm travel of a 29er be better?
Any insights would be appreciated!
I have a Dualsport 2012 8.4. I comes with 700x35 tires. I frequently switch between my 700x32 Hardcase tires for road and 29x2.2 fronts and 29x2.0 rears for cross country mountain biking with the stock rims. I have since upgraded the front derailer to a Shimano SLX so accomodate wider 29er tires in the rear. I can now fit 29x2.2 Maxxis IKONS with no problems. I also have purchased another set of rims so i can have dedicated dirt and road rims.
I have done many trails with the stock fork, some are more ALL MOUNTAIN trails and although the fork was pushed to it's limit, it handled the business. If the trails are more cross country type with minimal drops/jumps, the stock fork is fine. Geometry really is a personal preference thing. When i first started riding the trails, i hadn't ridden any other bikes and my Dualsport was fine. Up until i demoed a Pivot 429, i realized what a real mountain bike felt with the geo and what it can do in the dirt. If you are just going to ride, the geo should be fine. There are tires that are great for both trail and street use like the Kenda SMall Block 8. Tires like those are very versatile..you could get away with just using those for all your riding needs. ALl up to you in the end. Good Luck!